TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – The City of Tucson’s Housing and Community Development Department announced that it will close the waitlists for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs on January 1, 2026. This move comes as Tucson officials work to address the local housing crisis amid diminishing federal and state resources.
Mayor Regina Romero emphasized the importance of affordability. “As Mayor, I know that affordability is the top issue for Tucsonans. My colleagues on the Council and I are working closely with Pima County and local non-profit partners to increase supply, bring down costs and improve economic stability for Tucsonans,” Romero said.
More than 40,000 Tucsonans are currently on the waiting list for these housing programs, which mainly serve families with children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. The Housing Choice Voucher program has about 6,000 vouchers available, with approximately 660 becoming available each year due to attrition.
The city has taken steps to expand housing options, including the creation of the nonprofit El Pueblo Housing Development in 2023, which aims to increase affordable housing supply. The Housing and Community Development Department, under the guidance of Mayor and Council, has been working on increasing affordable housing units through the Housing Affordability Strategy for Tucson.
Ann Chanecka, HCD Director, highlighted the need for the waitlist closure. “Keeping the list open creates false expectations and erodes public trust,” Chanecka said. The department will still provide vouchers for specialty programs like HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing and the Family Unification Program, as capacity allows.
The city collaborates with over two dozen nonprofit organizations to support residents through shelters, affordable housing, and homeownership assistance. The waitlist closure was legally posted on the HCD website on December 1.